(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to place a storage trailer or storage container on any property except in compliance with this section.

(b)

Storage trailers and storage containers located on railroad property or right-of-way; or in a rail terminal, whether owned by a railroad or some other entity shall be exempt from the requirements of this subsection.

(c)

Storage trailers and storage containers used as construction site offices, or for the storage of tools or building supplies needed for a construction project, or personal property of the owner or tenant of a building which is being remodeled, during the course of a project on a lot for which a valid building permit has been issued and then only for the duration of the construction project but in no event longer than ninety days. The community development director or his representative may authorize longer ninety days and may authorize the placement of a storage trailer or storage container used for a construction project on property other than the property where the construction project is located upon determining that the location is necessary and reasonable under the circumstances.

(d)

Containers provided by private refuse haulers and used only for the purpose of disposing of refuse generated by the property occupants are exempt from the provisions of this section. Refuse containers must be placed on private property within the rear yard. Containers must be kept clean and lid closed.

Exception: Section 9.28.070(e) allows dumpsters on public streets or municipal lot with prior arrangement and permission from the city for a period not exceeding forty-eight continuous hours.

(e)

Storage containers and storage trailers in use at the time of the effective date of this provision shall be required to comply with this section within thirty days of the effective date.

(f)

No other exceptions to this section shall be granted unless done so by the Keokuk board of adjustment in compliance with Chapter 20.68 of the city code or by majority vote of the Keokuk city council.

(g)

The owner of any semi-trailer or container in violation of this chapter and the owner of any property on which the trailer or container is located shall both be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each person adjudged guilty shall be fined fifty dollars. Each semi-trailer and/or container shall constitute a separate offense. Each twenty-four hour period in violation shall be considered a separate offense.

(h)

If any section, provision or part of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.

(Ord. No. 1936, § 3, 9-18-14)

Storage trailers and storage containers are permitted in the following nonresidential zoning districts subject to the following restrictions, requirements, and limitations.

(1)

(C-2) General Commercial, (C-3) Central Business District, (C-4) Planned Commercial Zoning Districts.

(A)

No more than two storage trailers or storage containers shall be located on property located in a C-2, C-3 and C-4 zoning districts.

(2)

(M-1) Light Industrial and (M-2) Heavy Industrial zoning Districts.

(A)

Properties located in M-1 and M-2 zoning districts are exempt from any limitation on the number of storage trailers and storage containers used for onsite storage and recycling, provided full compliance with all other requirements in this Title are achieved.

(3)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be located on property in such a manner so as to occupy any required: Parking spaces, clear zone, loading spaces, buffer zone or front and side yard setbacks as defined in this title. No storage trailer or storage container shall be located within ten feet of the right-of-way of a public street.

(4)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be located on property so as to be in conflict with the fire code of the City of Keokuk or any other provisions of this title.

(5)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be used to store hazardous materials unless approved by the fire chief or his representative.

(6)

Storage trailer or storage container used for the purpose of storing quantities of hazardous materials shall be properly labeled on the exterior in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) guidelines indicating the level of health, flammability, and reactivity of the materials contained therein, or placarded with the appropriate United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) placard if the materials stored are regulated by the US DOT. Every storage trailer and storage container shall be clearly marked so that it is clear to all emergency response personnel what hazard(s) may exist.

(7)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be used for the storage, production, or manufacture of any controlled substance as defined by state and federal law.

(8)

No utility services shall be provided to a storage trailer or storage container unless it has been converted into a work office being used on a construction site and meets all provisions of this title and all applicable building/electrical, etc. Codes.

(9)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be physically connected, in any manner, to any structure or building or another storage trailer or storage container.

(10)

Merchandise, pallets, furniture, tires, equipment, fixtures, products, trash, debris, or other materials shall not be stacked under or on top of any storage trailer or storage container.

(11)

Grass, weeds and tree saplings shall not grow in excess of ten inches around and/or under storage trailers or storage containers.

(12)

No signage other than a logo of the trailer/container company shall be placed on the storage trailer or storage container or as required per subsection (6) of this section.

(13)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be stacked on top of another storage trailer or storage container, or on top of any building.

Exception: Storage trailers and storage containers may be stacked when stored on the sites, where the provision for such storage trailers or storage containers is a principle use providing that the trailers and containers are empty and properly secured based on accepted industry standards.

(14)

No storage trailer or storage container shall be used, maintained, or placed in a manner so as to constitute a public nuisance or hazard under any provision of the city Code.

(Ord. No. 1936, § 3, 9-18-14)

Storage trailers and storage containers are not permitted in local commercial (C-1) and all Residential zoning districts with the following exceptions:

(1)

Short-Term Loading and Unloading.

(A)

The trailers or containers shall not be on the property for a period of more than one hundred twenty hours, five calendar days.

(B)

The storage trailer or storage container shall be located in a legal off street parking space on the property. The community development director or his representative may authorize the placement of a storage trailer or storage container elsewhere for short term loading and unloading where off street parking is not achievable.

(2)

Special Use Trailers Exempt. Trailers used regularly or occasionally to store or transport items used for serving civic, school, youth, or church groups shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. Trailers used to make a living with a legitimate business legally registered with the State of Iowa may have no more than two such trailers in C-1 and all residentially zoned districts.

(Ord. No. 1936, § 3, 9-18-14)